Audi transforms Airbus’ flying taxi design for stylish concept car

Stunning images have revealed Audi’s vision for a self-driving taxi that will pick you up and drop you off from anywhere, by both land and air.Called Pop.Up Next, the modular system consists of a two-seater capsule that works as a car while on the road or that can be carried to the rider’s destination by an airborne drone when traffic is congested.The Pop.Up concept was first launched by Airbus and the German auto firm has now unveiled its unique spin on this entirely electric, fully automatic modular design.Audi says the concept could become an industry standard for flying taxis in the future it believes it could become a reality sometime between 2024 and 2027.The concept is the result of a partnership between the Ingolstadt-based car maker and Italodesign, a design and engineering company based in Moncalieri, Italy.The original Airbus Pop.Up design was revealed at last year’s Geneva International Motor Show.Audi’s version of the system was unveiled during a press preview at this year’s show, being held in Switzerland between March 8 and 18.It allows you to book your trip using a companion app.The system then automatically suggests the best transportation options for your route based on timing, traffic congestion, costs and ridesharing demands.Using this information, Pop.Up lists what options it feels are reasonable for your journey – either the ground, the air or a combination of both.The capsule will scan your face for authenticity and, according to Audi’s concept video, will also show you content to watch on a front display as you travel.If you find yourself in traffic, you simply call for a vertical take-off and landing air vehicle to pick you and the passenger capsule up.Once you have reached your destination, the capsule and the aerial vehicle will travel back to dedicated recharge stations where they wait to be summoned by their next customer.Dr Bernd Martens, Audi board member and president of Italdesign, said: ‘Creativity is needed where new mobility concepts for cities and people’s diverse needs are concerned.’Italdesign is an incubator for innovative technologies and radical prototyping.Pop.Up Next is an ambitious vision that could permanently change our urban life in the future.’ The modular system includes a monocoque carbon-fibre cocoon, which measures 8.5ft (2.6m) long, 4.5ft (1.4m) high, and 16 ft (4.8m) wide and can accommodate two people.The dominant interior feature is a 49-inch screen, which you use to interact with the vehicle through speech and facial recognition, eye-tracking and touch sensitive buttons.The passenger capsule transforms into a car by coupling to a separate ground module, which runs on a battery that can travel for 80 miles (130 km) on a single charge at a top speed of 60 mph (100 kmh).A drone-like module, capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 mph (120 kmh) and travelling distances of up to 30 miles (50 km) on one charge, transports you through the air.It is 14.4ft (4.4m long), 2.8ft (0.8m) high, and 16.4ft
Audi transforms Airbus’ flying taxi design for stylish concept car